Suspected thieves caught mid-burglary in Winlock, charges issued

Two suspected thieves were found inside a home in Winlock Monday morning. They left in handcuffs.

On Tuesday, the two men were charged with burglary in Lewis County Superior Court. 

Keith R. Malone, 45, and Michael G. McBride, 53, both of Chehalis, each face two counts of residential burglary, one count of possession of burglary tools and one count of third-degree theft. 

Malone faces an additional count of third-degree possession of stolen property. He was found with a “pyramid-shaped object” in his pocket that belonged to the homeowner.

Of the charges, residential burglary carries the greatest maximum punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 in fines. 

According to court documents submitted by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office, Lewis County sheriff's deputies responded to the burglary after the homeowner had been notified of a white Chevrolet Silverado parked into his driveway. The homeowner was not home at the time.

The sheriff’s deputy arrived at the residence. He found an open door. He noticed tool marks on the door, suggesting a break-in. 

He saw movement inside.

After gathering backup, the deputies entered the home and found it in disarray. They ultimately located Malone and McBride inside the residence. 

When questioned, Malone admitted they had stolen items at the property before, including cast iron cookware, books and posters. Malone was also “found to be in possession of a pick device that is used to reset key locks” on door handles and deadbolts, according to court documents. 

McBride, however, told a different story. According to court documents, he “came to the property and saw that the door was open so he came inside to make sure nobody needed assistance.” 

McBride had no answer when asked why he came to the property. He denied stealing.

Judge Paul Strophy set Malone’s bail at $10,000 unsecured, with conditions that include no contact with the address or homeowner of the alleged burglary. The judge noted Malone’s lack of criminal history upon making his decision. 

Strophy later set McBride’s bail at $10,000 cash or bond, with conditions that also include no contact with the address or homeowner of the alleged burglary. The judge cited McBride’s more extensive criminal history, which, according to court documents, includes felony convictions for assault (2020 and 2015), theft of a motor vehicle (2012), possession of stolen property (2006 and 2001) and forgery (2001), among other older crimes for burglary, theft and arson. 

Both men are scheduled for arraignment Aug. 28.